Not every spooky season experience must scare players. From beloved classics like animated detectives to delightful stories such as Over the Garden Wall, many Halloween-themed staples provide fun without needing increasing anxiety. There’s also, a expanding collection of spooky-cute games with autumn atmosphere, yet without the truly terrifying intensity of terror. Gloomy Eyes was released in recent months, and stands as an superb relaxing choice to the truly terrifying releases of the current season.
A Unique Single-Player Cooperative Quest
Described as a solo collaboration brain-teaser, Gloomy Eyes unites a zombie boy named Gloomy and a mortal child called Nena as they embark on an quest to restore sunlight to their dark, dark realm. Their design resembles collectible figures mixed with the characters from a Laika film. The pale-skinned and tired-looking appearance draws inspiration from the look of Burtonesque cinema, and the plot is a classic family-friendly tale. These two forms an strong friendship over the span of the game’s multiple stages as Nena strives to demonstrate to her religious guardian that, look, possibly zombies can be friendly.
Original Gameplay Systems
This unique label stems from the game’s environmental puzzles. After Gloomy and Nena encounter each other, you’ll swap between the budding companions to overcome obstacles and advance through the areas. As an undead, Gloomy cannot pass through the brightness of a light source, while Nena will get snatched up by wandering undead without a light is focused on them.
They have to work in tandem — well, players control them in tandem — to advance through areas. Nena could adjust or temporarily shut off illumination to clear paths for Gloomy, while the thoughtful boy will use his zombie strength to shift around objects in the environment, revealing routes for Nena.
Captivating Environment Creation
These challenges remind me a little of The Gardens Between, in the manner the levels are floating, model-like structures that the camera rotates in coordination with your protagonists. Gloomy Eyes’ worlds are highly entertaining, leading the friends around a fair and through a haunted house, including other locales. Players can use a “diorama view” option that allows you to view from afar and spin the areas, both to appreciate the designs and look for paths that may not have been obvious.
Small Challenges and Complete Gameplay
Here lies one of the only hiccups with Gloomy Eyes. Comparable to other games with a static view, sometimes it's unclear where the protagonists are able to move. Gamers could require to just bump into a multiple different elements to discover which ones are interactable, as clues aren't consistently provided.
Nevertheless, those minor speedbumps don't hinder of a ghostly-charming good time. Gloomy Eyes is relatively brief, with about several hours worth of puzzles. Subsequent stages integrate minor hidden movement and action elements with the problem-solving, as Gloomy Eyes advances to a satisfying — and somewhat surprising — conclusion.
Availability and Final Thoughts
Those avoiding the frights of terrifying titles should definitely try Gloomy Eyes. It’s available on Nintendo platform, Sony system, computer, and Microsoft console, and is currently on sale for a discount on online stores.
Gloomy Eyes is out now on several consoles and provides a delightful option for fans seeking autumn enjoyment without the intense scares.
